Duke 3 Two-band

[ChiefThunder]

I received my Duke yesterday afternoon. This is my first Simpsons brush and I can't wait to try it out tonight! My current rotation consists of Kent Blk8, Rooney 1/2 in super, B&B Omega boar brush, Thater 4125/2 two-band, and now this little fella. Sorry for the crappy pics, snapped them with my phone.

 

[NSmalls]

That's a beautiful looking knot!

 

[Galengwath]

Looks very nice. I recently acquired two smaller Simpson 2-band brushes and absolutely love them. I think you'll enjoy that Duke.

 

[Perished]

Beautiful brush. Hope to see more pics.

 

[AABCDS]

I really like that blue color.

 

[MaxP]

You, sir, are in for a real treat!

Enjoy. It's a fine brush.

 

[ChiefThunder]

Thanks for the comments B&Bers, the brush is just wonderful. This Duke has great backbone while maintaining very soft tips. I am actually really impressed. It was a treat massaging my face with this brush last night and now I'm certain it was worth every penny. I'll post a few post bloom pics today when I get back from work.

 

[ChiefThunder]

Here are some post bloom pics.

 

[Perished]

That's an absolute stunner! You must be pleased with that.

 

[reyrascon]

Wow, that is a great looking brush!!!

 

[sgtd]

Wow, very nice. I wasn't sure initially about the new Simpson's handles but I have to admit it looks pretty cool, especially with that 2-band knot. Enjoy that thing.

 

[Mick]

Another home run for your line up it seems.

Fantastic looking brush.

 

[Badger]

Very nice brush!

 

[ERVARGASNY]

Nice looking Brush Period )

 

[ChiefThunder]

Thanks for all the comments! I'm really glad that I chose this duke 3. It was between this and a chubby, but I went with the Duke because of its versatility (I'm a bowl latherer that uses both soaps and creams). The backbone on this brush is unreal, in a very good way. Scrubby (no scritch whatsoever) but very soft. I actually chose this brush based on the high praise from a few B&B members. No regrets!

 

[M_bisco]

I'm thinking of getting the exact same brush.
How is it holding up? Are your feelings still the same as when you first got it?
Please give a little review as I'm torn between the chubby 2 in best or this brush.
Thanks

 

[mistercitizen]

I've been using this brush (except with the jade handle) for about a week now and I am very impressed. I have never owned a Chubby in any form, but I have 10 other brushes in my collection, and this is right up there as being one of the most versatile brushes I own. I'll start by saying that the size is perfect for me. Handle and knot both. I face lather predominantly, but the handle is definitely long enough for bowl lathering with ease. The tips are very soft..... scrubby but no scritch. The backbone is excellent. It is dense, but not super dense. Not as dense as my Rooney Heritage Stubby 1XL Two Band, but denser than my Morris and Forndran Blonde Badger (24x53). The bulb shape gives me a bit of the feeling that I am mashing down the center of the knot when I face lather.... but it's something of an illusion I think. After about a half dozen uses, only a couple loose hairs have come out.... and I don't think that they came out of the knot.... I think they were just loose in there. So I can't be mashing it into my face too bad. Still, even with this sensation I get no scritch because the tips are very soft.

This is a nearly perfect brush from an all around standpoint. It has plenty of backbone and handles face lathering soaps with ease.... but the bulb shape and handle length are also conducive to bowl lathering creams. As far as being a lather hog, it's hard to say right now since the knot hasn't opened up too much with only a half dozen uses.... the verdict is still out on that. Right now, it is a bit of a hog..... but good brushes know that alot of product is good so I can't hold that against it. I think that the flow through will improve in time.... but if it doesn't get much better, I don't care because it's really okay with me right now as it is.

I love it. The only down side to this limited edition Simpson is the price tag in my mind. But I have to give Simpson a ton of credit for the look, presentation, and complimentary tube of Simpson Shaving AS Balm (about a $25 value) that they sent me along with the brush. The Duke 3 in Two Band Super has quickly found a spot in my collection to form what I consider a very magnificent trio of all around performers with my M&F Blonde Badger and Savile Row 3824 Silvertip Badger. These three brushes give me very similar results in three unique ways. The Duke 3 has been nothing but a great compliment to my collection.

Ben

 

[M_bisco]

Thanks a lot for that review.
Excellent!

 

[Useless shaver]

Sweet looking brush!

 

[SocalRick]

A real beauty!